Transcript Slide 1

Martin County Emergency Management Agency

Is your business prepared to survive the economic impact of a major disaster?

Are your company's valuable assets adequately protected – both physically and financially?

Is your work location properly secured from hazardous weather?

Are your employees aware of your company's emergency preparedness plan?

For many people, creating a business continuity plan can often be a difficult and intimidating process. Just knowing where to begin is hard enough. There are a variety of tools available to give the business community a tool to prioritize and categorize the many steps required in developing a business continuity plan. Helping to reduce the threat of potential loss and better prepare your business to survive in the event of a disaster is the goal.

Assessment

Carefully assess

how your company functions

,both internally and externally, to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. • Review your

business process flow chart

if one exists. • Identify

operations critical to survival

and recovery. • Include

emergency payroll, expedited financial decision-making and accounting systems

to track and document costs in the event of a disaster. • Establish procedures for

succession of management

. Include at least one person who is not at the company headquarters, if applicable

Suppliers

A disaster that shuts down a key supplier can be devastating to your business

• Identify your

suppliers, shippers, resources and other businesses

you must interact with on a daily basis. • Develop

professional relationships

with

more than one

company to use in case your primary contractor cannot service your needs. • .

Create a contact list

for existing critical business contractors and others you plan to use in an emergency. Keep this list with other important documents on file, in your emergency supply kit and at an off-site location

Emergency Supply Kit

Water

, amounts for portable kits will vary. Individuals should determine what amount they are able to both store comfortably and to transport to other locations. If it is feasible, store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

Food

, at least a 3 day to 1 week supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered radio and extra batteries Flashlight

and

extra batteries First Aid kit Whistle

to signal for help

Dust or filter masks

, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated based on how small a particle they filter

Moist towelettes

for sanitation

Wrench

or

pliers

to turn off utilities

Can opener

for food (if kit contains canned food)

Plastic sheeting

and

duct tape Garbage bags

and

plastic ties

for personal sanitation

Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)

Plan

what you will do if your

building, plant or store is not accessible

.

This type of planning is often referred to as a continuity of operations plan, or COOP, and includes all facets of your business.

Consider if you can run the business from a different location

from your home. or

Develop relationships with other companies

to use their facilities in case a disaster makes your location unusable.

Plan for payroll continuity

. Decide

who should participate

in putting together your emergency plan. Include co-workers from all levels in planning and as

active members

of the emergency management team. Consider a

broad cross-section

of people from throughout your organization, but focus on those with expertise vital to daily

business functions

. These will likely include people with technical skills as well as managers and executives.

Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP)

Define

crisis management procedures

and

individual responsibilities

in advance. Make sure those involved know what they are supposed to do. Train others in case you need back-up help.

Coordinate

with others. Meet with

other businesses in your building

or industrial complex. Talk with first responders, emergency managers, community organizations and utility providers. Plan with your suppliers, shippers and others you regularly do business with. Share your plans and encourage other businesses to set in motion their own continuity planning and offer to help others.

Review your emergency plans annually

.

Just as your business changes over time, so do your preparedness needs. When you hire new employees or when there are changes in how your company functions, you should update your plans and inform your people.

Business Planning Resources Local

http://www.martin.fl.us

772-287-1652 Starting Point :

Martin County Emergency Management American Red Cross – Martin County Chapter http://www.martinredcross.org

Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council http://www.businessdisasterplan.com/

Business Planning Resources Continued State

http://www.floridadisaster.org/business/ http://www.fldisasterkit.com

Federal

http://www.ready.gov/business 1-800-BE READY

TTY: 1-800-464-6161

Martin County Emergency Management (772) 287-1652